How Much Is a PCV Valve for an Audi A6?

A replacement PCV valve for an Audi A6 typically costs between $40 and $200 for the part alone in the U.S., depending on model year, engine type, and whether you buy an OEM or aftermarket component. When professional labor is included, total replacement costs usually range from $250 to $650, with higher prices on newer turbocharged and V6 engines where the PCV system is integrated into a larger housing.

What the PCV Valve Does and Why It Matters

The PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve is a core part of the engine’s emissions and ventilation system. It routes blow-by gases from the crankcase back into the intake to be burned, reducing oil contamination, sludge formation, and harmful emissions. In many modern Audi A6 engines, this function is built into a larger “oil separator” or PCV housing rather than a small stand-alone valve.

Typical Price Range for Audi A6 PCV Valves

The cost of a PCV valve for an Audi A6 varies mainly by engine generation and whether the PCV function is a simple valve or part of a larger assembly. Below is an overview of current price ranges as of late 2025.

Parts-Only Price Ranges by Generation

The following list outlines approximate parts-only prices for common Audi A6 generations and engines, based on current online retailer, dealer, and aftermarket catalog data.

• C5 Audi A6 (1998–2004) – Older 2.8L and 3.0L V6, and 1.8T engines:
  

  • Simple PCV valves and hoses: about $25–$80
  • More complex breather/vent assemblies: about $60–$150

• C6 Audi A6 (2005–2011) – 3.2 FSI, 4.2 V8, early 3.0T:
  

  • Standalone PCV valve or breather: about $40–$120
  • Integrated PCV/oil separator assemblies: about $90–$200

• C7 Audi A6 (2012–2018) – 2.0 TFSI, 3.0T, some diesels:
  

  • PCV integrated into valve cover or separator:
    

    • Aftermarket: about $80–$200
    • OEM from dealer: about $150–$320

• C8 Audi A6 (2019–present) – 2.0 TFSI, 3.0 TFSI mild hybrid:
  

  • Highly integrated PCV/oil separator modules:
    

    • Aftermarket (where available): about $120–$260
    • OEM dealer parts: about $220–$400+

These ranges reflect common online and dealership pricing for U.S. customers; exact figures can shift with supplier, region, and currency, but they give a realistic bracket for what most Audi A6 owners are seeing on the market today.

OEM vs. Aftermarket PCV Valve Pricing

Choosing between genuine Audi (OEM) parts and high-quality aftermarket brands significantly affects the final bill. Below are the key cost differences.

• OEM (Genuine Audi/VW)
  

  • Typical price: about $120–$400+ depending on assembly complexity
  • Best fit and compatibility; often preferred for newer A6 models and while under warranty

• Premium aftermarket (e.g., Mahle, Febi, Hengst, Vaico)
  

  • Typical price: about $60–$220
  • Often manufactured by the same suppliers that produce OEM components

• Budget aftermarket / no-name brands
  

  • Typical price: about $30–$120 for complete assemblies
  • Variable quality; some owners report premature failure or fitment issues

For a critical part like the PCV system—especially on turbocharged engines where failure can quickly affect performance and oil consumption—many independent specialists recommend OEM or well-known aftermarket brands despite the higher sticker price.

Total Replacement Cost: Parts and Labor

While the part cost is an important baseline, labor can be a substantial share of the total price, especially on cramped modern Audi engine bays where access is limited.

What Most Owners Pay at a Shop

The following breakdown summarizes typical PCV-related repair invoices at independent European specialists and dealerships.

• Labor time
  

  • Older A6 (simpler layouts): about 0.7–1.5 hours
  • Mid-generation A6 (C6/C7): about 1.5–3.0 hours
  • Newer A6 (C8, tightly packaged engines): about 2.0–4.0 hours

• Labor rates
  

  • Independent Audi/VW specialist: about $120–$180 per hour in many U.S. metro areas
  • Dealership service departments: about $180–$260 per hour or more

• Typical total bills (parts + labor)
  

  • Older C5/C6 basic PCV valve: about $250–$450
  • C6/C7 integrated PCV/oil separator: about $350–$650
  • C8 and high-output models (3.0T, mild hybrid): about $450–$900

Regional labor rates and the exact engine variant can swing these figures, but they provide a realistic expectation for an Audi A6 PCV job at a professional shop in 2025.

Factors That Change the Price

Several technical and practical variables explain why one Audi A6 owner might pay far more—or less—than another for what sounds like the same “PCV valve” replacement.

Engine Type and PCV Design

Different Audi A6 engines use very different PCV architectures, which alters both the price of the part and the time needed to replace it.

• Older naturally aspirated engines (e.g., 2.8, 3.0 V6):
  

  • Tend to use simpler valves and hoses
  • Parts are cheaper, and access is often easier

• Turbocharged 2.0 TFSI and 3.0T engines:
  

  • PCV often integrated with an oil separator or valve cover
  • More complex, larger assemblies drive costs upward

• Modern mild-hybrid engines:
  

  • More intricate emissions and ventilation setups
  • Fewer aftermarket options and higher OEM pricing

The more modern and performance-oriented the engine, the more likely the PCV system is integrated into expensive, multi-function modules rather than a cheap, standalone valve.

Where You Buy the PCV Valve

Source and channel significantly affect the final part price, even for identical part numbers.

• Dealer counter
  

  • Consistent with official part numbers and software bulletins
  • Often the most expensive retail source

• Online OEM-part specialists
  

  • Offer genuine Audi/VW parts at a discount vs. dealership list price
  • Can be 10–30% cheaper than buying directly from a dealer

• Independent parts stores and major e-commerce platforms
  

  • Wide range from premium to low-cost aftermarket components
  • Potential for counterfeit or misboxed parts if not buying from reputable sellers

Balancing price with reliability is critical for PCV components; verified sellers and known brands can prevent expensive repeat work due to premature failure.

DIY vs. Professional Installation

Your willingness and ability to work on the car yourself can radically change what you pay overall.

• DIY approach
  

  • You pay only for parts, plus possibly tools and a workshop manual subscription
  • Common on older C5/C6 engines where access is straightforward

• Professional installation
  

  • Higher cost, but you get experience, proper torque specs, and diagnostic support
  • Often safer on newer turbocharged and mild-hybrid engines with complex vacuum and emissions layouts

For many A6 owners—especially with newer models—the risk of misrouting hoses or damaging plastic components makes professional service a justified expense despite the higher up-front cost.

How to Get an Accurate Price for Your Specific Audi A6

Because “Audi A6” covers multiple generations, engines, and markets, confirming the exact PCV valve cost requires a few basic checks.

Steps to Pin Down Your PCV Valve Cost

The following steps help narrow down a precise quote for your particular A6, minimizing surprises when you order parts or book service.

1. Identify your A6’s exact engine code
   

   • Found on the build sticker (often in the trunk or service book) and in the engine bay
   • Examples: CAEB (2.0T), CREC (3.0T), etc.

2. Call or email an Audi dealer with your VIN
   

   • Ask for the current price of the PCV valve or PCV/oil separator assembly
   • Request the exact part number to cross-check elsewhere

3. Compare online OEM and reputable aftermarket options
   

   • Use the part number to see alternatives from established brands
   • Check reviews and warranty terms before choosing a cheaper option

4. Get at least two labor quotes
   

   • Contact a local Audi dealership and an independent European specialist
   • Ask specifically for estimated labor hours and any additional parts (gaskets, hoses)

5. Check for related service bulletins or known issues
   

   • Some generations had PCV-related campaigns or revised parts
   • A shop familiar with Audi may know if an updated design is available

Following these steps usually yields a clear, written estimate tailored to your car, which is more reliable than any single generic number you might find online.

Summary

For an Audi A6, the PCV valve—or, more accurately on newer models, the PCV/oil separator assembly—generally costs between $40 and $200 for the part alone, with OEM dealer pricing for complex units reaching $300–$400+. When professional labor is included, most owners see total bills in the $250–$650 range, and sometimes higher on the newest or most complex engines. Exact pricing hinges on your model year, engine code, choice of OEM vs. aftermarket parts, local labor rates, and whether you install it yourself or rely on a specialist.

Is replacing a PCV valve expensive?

The average cost to replace a PCV valve is between $65 and $220, depending on the vehicle and labor costs. For many cars, the replacement is inexpensive and simple, with parts costing as little as $2 to $15 and labor around 15 to 45 minutes. However, the price can increase significantly for vehicles where the valve is difficult to access and requires more extensive engine disassembly. 
Cost breakdown

• Parts: The PCV valve itself is typically inexpensive, ranging from about $2 to $35 for basic aftermarket parts, while OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts can cost between $25 and $75. 
• Labor: Labor costs can vary, but a typical job takes 15 to 45 minutes. Some shops may charge a minimum of one hour, which can range from about $50 to $150. 
• Total: The total average cost is between $65 and $220, with some sources citing an average of $186 to $220. 

Factors that influence the cost

• Accessibility: If the PCV valve is in a difficult-to-reach location, the labor time will increase, driving up the total cost. In some luxury or modern engines, the valve may be integrated into the valve cover, making replacement more labor-intensive and expensive.
• Vehicle make and model: The cost of the part and the complexity of the job can differ depending on your car.
• Shop type: Prices can vary between dealerships, independent mechanics, and specialty repair shops. 

What to consider

• DIY vs. professional repair: If you are comfortable with basic car maintenance, replacing a PCV valve is a relatively easy DIY job that can save you money on labor. 
• Get multiple quotes: Before committing to a repair, it’s a good idea to get quotes from a few different mechanics to compare prices. 
• Look for a bad valve: Symptoms of a failing PCV valve include rough idling, misfires, oil leaks, or increased oil consumption. 

What is the most common problem with the Audi A6?

The Audi A6 is known for a comfortable ride, but its suspension and steering components don’t always hold up well over time. One of the most common issues is premature wear of control arms and tie rod ends, which can cause clunking noises, loose steering feel, and uneven tire wear.

Can you drive an Audi with a bad PCV valve?

If the PCV valve fails, you might notice the following symptoms: excessive oil consumption, rough idling/stalling, oil leaks, sludge, and an illuminated check engine light. It’s not advisable to drive with a bad PCV valve because it can cause the gaskets to blow.

How much does it cost to replace a PCV valve on an Audi?

The cost to replace an Audi PCV valve can range significantly, from around $150 for older, more accessible models to over $3,000 for certain newer 3.0T engines where the valve is integrated into a larger system requiring extensive labor. The final price depends heavily on the vehicle’s model, year, and engine type, with the labor-intensive jobs on 3.0T engines often involving replacing other components like the oil separator and gaskets. 
Cost breakdown

• Parts: The cost of the PCV valve itself can be under $50$ 50$50 for simpler parts, but it can be higher if more parts are needed. 
• Labor: This is often the biggest factor. A simple replacement may only take 15-45 minutes, while a labor-intensive one could take many hours of disassembly. 
• Model and engine: Prices vary widely.
  • Some older V6 or V8 engines may be on the lower end, with costs around $150-$300. 
  • Turbocharged 3.0T engines, common in many newer models, are often much more expensive because the PCV valve is part of a larger, more complex system that requires significant labor to access and replace. 

Factors that increase the cost

• Integrated system: On 3.0T engines, the PCV valve is often integrated into the oil separator and requires significant labor to replace. This often leads to quotes that include replacing other components like intake gaskets and seals to make the job worthwhile. 
• Labor-intensive location: If the PCV valve is located in a difficult-to-reach spot, labor costs will be significantly higher. 
• Additional parts: It is common to replace other components at the same time due to the extensive labor involved. These can include gaskets, seals, and vacuum lines, adding to the total cost. 

What you can do

• Get multiple quotes: Prices can vary between independent shops and dealerships. It is recommended to get quotes from several different mechanics to compare costs. 
• Consider an independent Audi specialist: If your Audi is out of warranty, an independent mechanic specializing in Audis may be a more affordable option than a dealership. 
• Ask about the full scope of work: If you are quoted a high price, ask the mechanic what is included in the repair. On 3.0T engines, this is often more than just a simple valve replacement. 
• Research DIY options: If you are mechanically inclined, there are many DIY guides online for replacing the PCV valve yourself, which can save you a significant amount on labor costs.